Why do so many Middle Eastern countries refuse to accept Palestinian refugees? In this video, we explore the complex history and impacts of Palestinian influence in countries like Kuwait, Jordan, and Lebanon, that explain why this may be.
We first move to Kuwait, where Palestinians initially found unprecedented privileges and rights due to their significant contributions to the country's development. However, everything changed in the 1990s when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. The PLO’s controversial support for this invasion led to a severe backlash, resulting in the expulsion of between 200,000 to 250,000 Palestinians.
Next, we turn our attention to Jordan, another country that faced substantial challenges due to the PLO’s presence. After initially welcoming Palestinian refugees and granting them citizenship, Jordan experienced escalating tensions as the PLO grew more assertive. The climax of this conflict, known as Black September, saw a full-scale assault by the Jordanian army on the PLO, resulting in significant casualties and deepening internal divisions.
Lebanon perhaps provides the most dramatic example of Palestinian influence destabilizing a country. After being expelled from Jordan, the PLO established a strong military presence in southern Lebanon, aligning with various factions and intensifying the Lebanese Civil War. The continued attacks on Israel from Lebanese territory provoked severe Israeli retaliations, further devastating Lebanon. This conflict led to the formation of Hezbollah and left Lebanon struggling to recover even decades later.
In the modern context, many Arab nations have chosen to move away from the politics of the 20th century that led to so much instability. The Abraham Accords, initiated in 2020, mark a significant shift towards normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These accords signify a move from Pan-Arabism to a more nationalist and strategic approach, prioritizing economic growth and regional stability over ideological opposition to Israel.
A critical aspect of these accords was the potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia, which sought military assurances and nuclear technology from the United States in exchange for normalizing relations with Israel. However, this progress was disrupted by Iran’s proxy, Hamas, through the October 7 attacks in 2023. This marked a significant regression in the path towards a peaceful future for the region.
Looking forward, the path to peace in the Middle East remains complex and challenging. The potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the Abraham Accords could represent a significant step towards regional stability and prosperity. However, achieving this will require navigating regional rivalries, internal political dynamics, and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:12 - Kuwait
05:46 - Jordan
09:00 - Lebanon
11:40 - The path forward
